Still Waiting
I'm a retired RN. In December 2025, I had a kidney stone. Since I've had kidney stones in the past, I knew I needed a CT scan. I went to the ER and the scan showed that not only did I have a kidney stone, but a tumor in my bladder. I had a TURBT where they removed not only the kidney stone, but also a 3 cm tumor and a satellite lesion. The pathology report stated that I had noninvasive high grade papillary urothelial carcinoma. According to the American Urological Association, that puts me in a high risk category. I was told that due to the current shortage of BCG, I could start chemo called Gem/Doce. I'm still waiting for authorization! I wonder how long I will have to wait. It has been over 5 months!
I am so sorry you are going through this! Insurance companies do seem to be a cause for much of the financial toxicity that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Have you asked your doctor's office to follow up with the insurance company? You can also call your insurance company directly and request an urgent update on the status. I believe insurance companies must respond to a preauthorization request for a treatment in two weeks. You may be interested in this story by one of our health leaders who had to learn to advocate for herself. Warmly, Kathy (Team member)
